Exclusive: Sir Jim Ratcliffe stance on Erik ten Hag's position as Man Utd manager revealed

Sir Jim Ratcliffe is in favour of Erik ten Hag remaining as Manchester United manager, despite the club’s poor form of late.

The Red Devils, who face Fulham at Craven Cottage on Saturday afternoon, have lost eight of their opening 15 matches this season in all competitions, and have been beaten 3-0 at Old Trafford in their last two games. It’s led to increasing pressure on Ten Hag, although it’s believed that there are no real thoughts of replacing him at this stage.

Ratcliffe’s view could only strengthen Ten Hag’s position, even if the petrochemicals billionaire is not yet having any impact on decisions at the club.

The 71-year-old’s 25 percent investment into United is expected to go through in the coming weeks, and should be completed in time for the January transfer window. Ratcliffe and his Ineos delegation will oversee football operations once he has purchased his minority stake in the club, and he has established a good working relationship with the Glazers during takeover negotiations.

Ratcliffe’s flexibility and cooperation have been appreciated by the Glazers, as well as his tight-lipped stance over the months spent brokering a deal. Ratcliffe also convinced the incumbent United owners that he was the right man to work with, further strengthening their relationship.

As a result, Ratcliffe’s opinion is already valued, and ManchesterWorld understands he backs Ten Hag and is supportive of his hardline stance when dealing with players. The British tycoon also hopes to provide funds for January transfers, although wholesale additions are not expected.

United could be open to bringing in a new centre-back in January, with Jean-Clair Todibo - who plays for Ineos-owned Nice - a target. In the long-term, United plan to recruit in key positions, while also prioritising the production of youth players through the club’s academy.

There are also plans to enhance the club’s infrastructure, with short and long-term strategies already devised to improve Old Trafford. Ratcliffe wants to make use of the ground around the club’s stadium, but no serious proposals have been devised as of yet. It was reported on Friday by Sky that a figure of around $300m (£245m) will be committed by the incoming football chief to improve the club’s current facilities.

Meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspur’s former head of recruitment, Paul Mitchell, could be in line to take over as United's new director of football, which would see John Murtough move on from his current role at United.

Ratcliffe's initial plans have been described as having a ‘football first’ outlook designed around engaging a frustrated United fanbase, while also bringing back a level of prestige to the beleaguered club. Engaged fans should also lead to increased club revenue, which will in turn appease the Glazers.